It was a desire for a more laid-back environment that led then-sophomore goalie Bobby Goepfert to transfer to St. Cloud State after spending two seasons at Providence.

"I've spent a lot of time in the Midwest," said Goepfert of his decision in a story that ran in the Times 10 years ago this week. "On the East Coast, people can be kind of edgy. When I was in Cedar Rapids (in the USHL), everybody treated me well and it was the same way when I visited (St. Cloud). It brought that whole experience back for me. I'm looking forward to getting back out there."

Per NCAA rules regarding transfers, Goepfert was unable to play for the Huskies during the 2004-05 season. But he went on to earn All-WCHA first team and All-American honors in both 2005-06 and 2006-07. He was a Hobey Baker Award finalist as a senior in 2007 and finished his career as the school's all-time leader in both goals against average (2.24) and save percentage (.924)

And he helped lead St. Cloud State to NCAA tournament appearances in each of his two seasons at the school.

"He was one of the top goalies in the country and he played a big role in all the success we had in those years," said Huskies assistant coach Garrett Raboin, who was a freshman with the Huskies during Goepfert's senior season in 2006-07.

"He played a big part in setting the table for a lot of the success Coach (Bob) Motzko has gone on to have in the years since then."

Raboin said Goepfert also was a leader in the locker room when it came to making younger players feel welcome.

"He was hilarious," Raboin said. "He was a big-time talent on the ice. But off of it, he was one of the most entertaining people I've ever been around. He was just a great guy to everybody."

Goepfert has gone on to play professionally and is now with Dusseldorfer EG in Germany.

"We should keep in better touch, but every few months or so we exchange an email or text message," Raboin said. "It sounds like he's doing really well."

Five years ago (2009)

The Minnesota Timberwolves named former Lakers player and assistant coach Kurt Rambis as their new head coach. Rambis lasted two seasons with the team before being fired after posting a record of 32-132 over that time.

25 years ago (1989)

St. Paul Hamline beat Little Falls 6-3 to knock the Flyers out of the Class A American Legion state baseball tournament in New Ulm. Little Falls took a 2-0 lead after the second inning, helped by an RBI double by Todd Sandman. Hamline rallied for the victory.

50 years ago (1964)

Four St. Cloud State wrestlers — brothers Dave and Jim Hazewinkel, Gary Smith and Larry Heiniemi — were preparing to compete in the U.S. Olympic wrestling trials in New York City.

None of the four made the team that year, but both Dave and Jim Hazewinkel represented the U.S. in Greco-Roman wrestling in the 1968 and 1972 Olympics.

Heiniemi went on to a long professional wrestling career using the name Lars Anderson.

75 years ago (1939)

Johnny Boyer of St. Paul edged out Bud Thorgaard for the championship at the sixth annual Shortstop at the St. Cloud Golf Club.